Valyrian Steel, official producers of replica weapons based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, have a lengthy update regarding one particular product, the “live steel”, Damascus version of Longclaw. Unfortunately, the manufacturer that they are using has bitten off more than they could chew, according to Valyrian Steel, and have been unable to meet the production schedule. In fact, the manufacturer is swearing off taking any more Damascus steel orders from Valyrian Steel, although it’s suggested this may be nothing more than a negotiating tactic.

The result of all this? The delays for fulfilling Damascus steel Longclaw orders will be partially rectified by a partial order fulfillment for those with the earliest pre-orders, with the rest of the orders filled when they finally receive the rest of the ordered blades. It also means that their plan—to release their replica of Ice in both standard and Damascus versions simultaneously—likely will have to be scrapped, but they are looking into alternatives. Preorders for the regular production run of Ice (and photos of the weapon) should be available in late August, while they also report that they’ve sent their design for their next weapon—King Robert’s famous warhammer—on to GRRM for approval.